PC Jargon and Terminology | MUO

MUO

PC Jargon and Terminology

Confused by unclear abbreviations or not sure what a new tech buzzword means? We'll explain what you should know in plain English.

Readers like you help support MakeUseOf. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

latest

m3u8 file icon on pc monitor in office
What Is an M3U8 File? How to Open It

You use M3U8 files more often than you know. Here's what they're all about.

hdr10-plus-image
What Is HDR10+? Everything to Know About the HDR Format
HDR

HDR keeps getting better, and HDR10+ is the latest version you should watch out for when buying a new monitor, TV, smartphone, or otherwise.

A DSO138 oscilloscope
How to Use an Oscilloscope to Troubleshoot Electronics

Whether you're tinkering with some homebrew circuits or trying to fix an appliance, an oscilloscope will make your troubleshooting easier.

By 
Keysight 3000T Oscilloscope
What Is an Oscilloscope and What Is It Used For?

Whether you're a hobbyist or have a lab, an oscilloscope is an incredibly handy tool when it comes to electronics.

By 
8k hdmi cable in HDMI in port
HDCP vs. HDMI: What's the Difference?

Two different technologies with similar names, but two technologies that work closely together anyway? What's the difference here?

A photograph of an ADC
What Are ADCs (Analog-to-Digital Converters) and How Do They Work?

ADCs are crucial for converting all kinds of analog signals to digital, but how do they actually work?

By 
types of computer storage top down on yellow background
VDI vs. VHD vs. VMDK vs. VHDX: Virtual Disk Image Formats Explained

With so many virtual disk image formats out there, you might wonder which one to use. Well, we've got you covered.

Volvo V90 T8 plug-in hybrid with charging port door open
EV vs. BEV vs. PHEV vs. HEV: What's the Difference?

Looking to jump into the electric vehicles market but put off by the jargon? We've got you covered.

engineer working on cloud init scripts on a linux pc
VHD vs. VHDX: What Is the Difference and When Should You Use Them?

VHD and VHDX files sound similar but they have some key differences you should know about before using.

Man and Woman Eating Popcorn on Couch with Remote
What Is HDCP and How Can It Impact Movie Playback on Your TV?

HDCP is used to prevent piracy, but it can also interfere with your regular, legal streams.

range of samsung televisions at event
4K vs. 8K: Which TV Resolution Is Best for You?
4K

Is it worth upgrading to an 8K TV, or should you stick with 4K?

By 
Screenshot of a video game
DirectX 11 vs. DirectX 12: What Are the Differences and Which Should You Use?

Is DirectX 12 better than DirectX 11? Here's how they compare...

person browsing photos on an iPhone
What Is an HEIC File and Why Does Your iPhone Use Them?

Are HEIC files better than the alternatives?

Human facing a robot
What's the Difference Between Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning?

These two terms are at the core of the generative AI revolution, but what do they mean, and how do they differ?

cookies sitting on a white keyboard feature
Everything You Should Know About Session Cookies

Session cookies are one of the most important parts of your browsing experience. Here's everything you need to know about them.

5g symbol broadcasting to devices across a city scape
What Is Vo5G (VoNR) and How Does It Compare to VoLTE?
5G

Vo5G calling is coming, and it promises crystal clear calls—so long as you have a 5G connection.

Black server racks
What Is a Render Farm and Should You Be Using One?

Could using a render farm give you more time for animation and other projects?

long usb charging cable
USB-C vs. Lightning Port: Which Is Best?
USB

They perform very similar roles, but one is absolutely better than the other. But, which one is it?

Black and white image of CDs
ISO vs. BIN vs. CUE vs. IMG: Disk Image Formats Explained

There are numerous disk image file formats out there, but how do they differ, and what should you use?

USB Hub adapter with a white USB cord connected to it
USB4 vs. USB 3: 7 Key Differences Explained
USB

USB4 is the latest and greatest for USB technology, but how does it compare to USB 3?

See More